Joseph b r e t t



JOSEPH; BR TT; or GENEYAI, 01110..-

Letters Patent No. 80,053, dated Jul 21, 186 8.

IMPROVED MODE 'or MULGHING s'rmwemm ssns.

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TO ALL WHOM IT -M AY-GONCERN:

Be it known that I, JOSEPH BRETT, of Geneva, in the county oiAshtabula, and State of Ohio, have invented a new and'useful Improvement i n the Mode of Mulching Strawberry-Beds; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear,'and exact description of the some. I V I The experience of horticulturist s has shown the necessity of mulching strawberry-plants in order to protest them against the winter frosts, and to forth a clean bed for the-berries tolie upon, so that thoy ,may not be exposed to contact with the dirt.

plants.

Various substances have, been used for'this purpose, such as straw, tan bark, shavings, 8m, all moreor less expensive,particularly in the neighborhood of large cities, where these plants are especially'cultivated in iarge quantities.

My improvement consists in growing the mulch upon the ground inthe fall, which falling, when winter killed, will protectlthe plants during the winter, and servers a covering for the earth during the spring.

For thispurpos prefer oats-asthe cheapest and the -best,but other plantsof analogous character may be used. r After the strawberries have been gathered, the beds shoulrl'be thoroughly cultivated during the summer to prevent'the growth of weeds, grass, &c,, which would interfere with the properdevelopment of the strawberry- About the first of September I son the beds with a suitable seed, preferring, as I haveesaid, oats, usingabout four bushels of- 0ats to the acre for, this purpose, tobe sown broadcast over the" bed, and cultivate, and

rake or. hoe them in, so that, taking root, they may grow vigorously during the fall months.

As the strawberry-plants will haveceased growing before the oats are high enough to cover them injiiriously, they will not he attested by this treatment. v v

The frost will winter-kill the growingplants thus sown, and the stalks, falling uponthestrawberry-plants,

- will cover and protect them during the winter, and, in' the spring furnish a clean covering for the ground,

answering fully the requirements for theprotection' of the berries from the dirt.

I have said that Ipnefer date for the purpose, but I do not limit'my claim t'o this particular plant, as my invention is distinguished fromall other known modes by the growth, upon .th'e. -s trawberry-bed, of the plantwhich is intended for use as a mulch. l Y

What I claim as my invention, and desire'tonsecure by Letters Patent, 'is

The mode of mulching.strawberry-bedsiby sowing thereon the seeds of plants, the stalks or blades of which are intended to serve as a mulch therefor, substantially as set forth. V

In testimony whereof, I havesigned my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

" JOSEPH BRETT.

Witnesses: I

JEROME MURRAY, DENNIS THoRP; 

